The ratification of Alexander County on January 15, 1847 was a significant event in the history of North Carolina as it marked the establishment of a new county from parts of Iredell, Wilkes, and Caldwell counties
Today, 179 years later, the Alexander County America 250 Committee invites citizens to kick off a year of America 250 programs by commemorating the birth of the county on Thursday, January 15, at 5:00 p.m. in the banquet hall of Brushy Mountain Golf Course, located at 300 Golf Course Lane in Taylorsville. RSVP by Monday, January 12, by calling 828-352-7757.
Once all 179 candles are blown out, attendees will enjoy free cake and ice cream. Entertainment will be provided by the Absher Celtic Performers. This is sure to be an evening to remember as attendees gather and celebrate the county’s long history.
Alexander County was named after William Julius Alexander, a Speaker of the North Carolina House of Commons. The county was established to serve the growing population and to provide a legal framework for the governance of the area.
The county seat of Taylorsville was established soon after the county’s formation, with the first land sale occurring in August 1847. The proceeds of the land sale funded the construction of the first courthouse.
By the time the Civil War began in 1861, Alexander County had a population of approximately 5,837 people. The county’s population as of the 2020 census was 36,444 reflecting its growth over the years. The area was primarily settled by farmers of Scots-Irish and German descent.
A vital part of Alexander County’s economy and history rests in its diverse natural resources, particularly precious minerals. The largest emerald to ever be unearthed in North America was found in Hiddenite in 1969. In addition to emeralds, numerous minerals such as sapphires, monazite, tourmaline, aquamarines, sillimanite, garnets, and quartz may be found in Alexander County.
Another important industry in Alexander County includes its wide array of agricultural products that are grown here. Ranked a top agricultural county in North Carolina, Alexander County is the sixth greatest producer of cattle, eighth in dairy, fifth in chicken-layers, and fourth in apples. In 1900, apples grown in Alexander County ranked first at the Paris World’s Fair. Farmland accounts for nearly two-thirds of all land in the county.
The establishment of the Alexander Railroad in 1946 further enhanced the county’s connectivity and economic development.
Alexander County’s history is a tapestry of early American settlement, significant wartime contributions, and ongoing community development. Its establishment in 1847 laid the groundwork for a vibrant community that continues to thrive today.
To learn more about the history of Alexander County, the public is invited to countywide programs throughout 2026 in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America. Events in Alexander County may be found online by visiting https://visitalexandernc.com/calendar.
The America 250 NC Alexander County programs are sponsored by Taylorsville Savings Bank, Duke Energy, The Taylorsville Times, and NCDAR—Carolina Emerald Chapter.